Definition and Composition:
Ointments in biblical times were aromatic substances used for various purposes, including religious, medicinal, and cosmetic applications. These ointments were typically composed of oils mixed with spices or aromatic herbs. Common ingredients included myrrh, frankincense, cinnamon, and olive oil. The preparation of ointments was a skilled craft, often involving specific recipes and methods to ensure the desired fragrance and efficacy.

Biblical References and Uses:

1. Religious and Ceremonial Use:
Ointments were integral to religious rituals and ceremonies. In Exodus 30:22-25, God instructs Moses on the preparation of a sacred anointing oil: "Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil." This oil was used to consecrate the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priests, signifying their holiness and dedication to God.

2. Medicinal Use:
Ointments also served medicinal purposes, providing relief and healing for various ailments. In Isaiah 1:6, the prophet describes the condition of Israel metaphorically, saying, "From the sole of the foot to the top of the head, there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and festering sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil." This indicates the common practice of using ointments for treating wounds and sores.

3. Cosmetic Use:
The use of ointments for personal grooming and beautification is evident in several biblical accounts. Esther, in preparation to meet King Xerxes, underwent a year-long beauty treatment that included the use of "oil of myrrh" (Esther 2:12). This highlights the cultural importance of ointments in enhancing physical appearance and preparing individuals for significant events.

4. Symbolic Use:
Ointments often carried symbolic meanings, representing honor, love, and devotion. In the New Testament, Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, wiping them with her hair (John 12:3). This act of devotion and worship is met with criticism by Judas Iscariot, but Jesus defends her actions, saying, "Leave her alone; she has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial" (John 12:7). This anointing prefigures Jesus' death and burial, symbolizing the honor and reverence due to Him.

5. Economic and Social Significance:
Ointments were valuable commodities, often associated with wealth and status. The Song of Solomon frequently references ointments in the context of love and desire, as in Song of Solomon 1:3: "The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you." This illustrates the allure and desirability associated with fine ointments.

Cultural Context:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, ointments were not only practical but also held cultural and social significance. They were used in hospitality, as seen when a host would anoint a guest's head with oil as a sign of welcome and honor (Psalm 23:5). The preparation and use of ointments were often associated with women, who played a key role in their production and application.

Conclusion:
Ointments in the Bible serve as a multifaceted symbol of holiness, healing, beauty, and devotion. Their presence in both Old and New Testament narratives underscores their importance in the daily and spiritual lives of biblical figures.Ointments

Were much used by the ancient Hebrews, not chiefly for medical purposes as among us, but as a luxury, Ruth 3:3 Psalm 104:15 So 1:2 Mt 6:17 Luke 7:46. Their perfumery was usually prepared in olive oil, and not in volatile extracts and essences. The sacred ointment is described in Exodus 30:22-33. The ointments of the rich were made of very costly ingredients, and their fragrance was highly extolled, Isaiah 39:2 Am 6:6 Matthew 26:7-9 John 12:5. See ANOINTING.

On the Use of Ointments and Crowns.
... The Instructor: Book II. Chapter VIII."On the Use of Ointments and Crowns. ...
"I was anointed with ointments and perfumes,. And with nard.". ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter viii on the use of.htm

How Fair are Thy Breasts, My Sister Spouse! Thy Breasts are Fairer ...
... and the smell of thine ointments than all spices. ... The smell of thine ointments, by
which thou drawest souls to Me, infinitely surpasses all spices. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/10 how fair are thy.htm

Spikenard and Saffron; Calamus and Cinnamon with all the Trees of ...
... CHAPTER IV. 14. Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon with all the trees
of Lebanon; myrrh and aloes with all the chief ointments. ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/14 spikenard and saffron calamus.htm

Draw Me, we Will Run after Thee to the Odor of Thine Ointments.
... COMMENTARY. CHAPTER I. 3. Draw me, we will run after thee to the odor
of thine ointments. This young lover prays the Bridegroom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/3 draw me we will.htm

For Thy Breasts are Better than Wine, and More Fragrant than the ...
... COMMENTARY. CHAPTER I. 1, 2. For thy breasts are better than wine, and
more fragrant than the choicest ointments. Thy breasts, O ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/1 2 for thy breasts.htm

Chapter i
... better than wine.1. Let him kiss me with the kiss of his mouth; for thy breasts
are better than wine, 3. Because of the savor of thy good ointments, thy name ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter i.htm

Chapter iv.
... and the smell of thine ointments than all spices! 10. ... thy breasts are fairer than
wine, and the smell of thine ointments than all spices.11. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter iv.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... 1, 2. For thy breasts are better than wine, and more fragrant than the choicest
ointments. ... 3. Draw me, we will run after thee to the odor of thine ointments. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/

How the Appointment was Kept.
... Mary Magdalene is in the lead, so far ahead of the others as to be alone.
They are carrying packages of perfumed ointments. They ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/how the appointment was kept.htm

St. Ambrose, in Concluding the Second Book, Ascribes any Good ...
... teaching of the mystic song: "Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth, for
Thy breasts are better than wine, and the odor of Thy ointments is above all ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vi st ambrose in.htm

Ointments (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ointments (9 Occurrences). Luke 23:56 They returned,
and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath ...
/o/ointments.htm - 9k

Ointment (29 Occurrences)
... The scented oils or ointments were kept in jars or vials (not boxes) made of alabaster. ...
For the uses of scented oils or ointments see ANOINTING; OIL. ...
/o/ointment.htm - 18k

Hair (135 Occurrences)
... The Hebrews anointed the hair profusely with fragrant ointments (Ruth 3:3; 2 Samuel
14:2; Psalm 23:5; 45:7, etc.), especially in seasons of rejoicing (Matthew 6 ...
/h/hair.htm - 60k

Olamus

/o/olamus.htm - 6k

Odours (8 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and
wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses ...
/o/odours.htm - 9k

Joanna (3 Occurrences)
... She was thus among those who prepared spices and ointments, who found the grave
empty, and who "told these things unto the apostles" (Luke 23:56-24:10). ...
/j/joanna.htm - 8k

Rested (81 Occurrences)
... Him. (WEY). Luke 23:56 They returned, and prepared spices and ointments.
On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. ...
/r/rested.htm - 29k

Prepared (246 Occurrences)
... (WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV). Luke 23:56 They returned, and prepared spices and ointments.
On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. ...
/p/prepared.htm - 37k

Perfumer (4 Occurrences)
... as well as the body was perfumed (Psalm 45:8 Songs 3:6; Songs 4:11); couches and
beds were sprinkled with savory scents (Proverbs 7:17); ointments were used in ...
/p/perfumer.htm - 11k

Perfume (202 Occurrences)
... as well as the body was perfumed (Psalm 45:8 Songs 3:6; Songs 4:11); couches and
beds were sprinkled with savory scents (Proverbs 7:17); ointments were used in ...
/p/perfume.htm - 38k

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